At the University of Rhode Island, one of the main draws is the expansive coastline and Narragansett Bay. Encompassing 147 square miles across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, Narragansett Bay is Southern New England’s largest estuary system. Meadows of submerged vegetation sway along with the ebb and flow of the current as crustaceans and groundfish forage for a meal. Schools of fish swim in unison just below the myriad of recreational and commercial boats that anchor the state’s coastal economy. And for students at University of Rhode Island, the Bay becomes a living, breathing classroom teeming with life and opportunities to explore through the College of the Environment and Life Science’s (CELS) best kept secret…
Nestled in the still waters of Wickford Cove sits the R/V Cap’n Bert. Referred to simply as the Bert by crew members, the 53-foot stern trawler is the flagship educational and research vessel for the College of Environment & Life Sciences. Captained by Department of Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science (AFS) Professor Steve Barber, he confirmed that, “For any class that wants to charter the boat, we are open to doing anything for them.” Outfitted with all the bells and whistles needed to supply chartered expeditions with everything from fish trawling and scientific sampling to diving trips, his promise really does mean the Bert can do just about anything. Beyond its role in research studies, it serves as the perfect “floating classroom” for students to receive hands-on experience out on the Bay. The Bert is regularly deployed for educational experiences for CELS and Graduate School of Oceanography (GSO) courses where lab portions on the Bay are vital to the learning process.
Capt. Steve Barber peering out of a window from the Cap’n Bert’s helm
Outside of the classroom, the Bert plays a major role in multiple research projects including GSO’s Fish Trawl Survey. Jointly funded through GSO and RI DEM’s Marine Fisheries Division, the survey is one of the longest continuous studies of fish and invertebrate relative abundance in the world. Continuous data collection since 1959 has provided researchers with fine scale data of how the Bay’s fish communities have changed over time. Chartered by GSO and the state, the Bert and its crew are the workhorse behind this operation. Mondays serve as the fish trawl day. Rain or shine, the Bert sets off for the survey at 7:45 A.M. sharp. Capt. Steve says, “Each and every week 52 weeks out of the year we are out on the water.” Visiting the same two survey sites along the Bay every trip, the Bert’s trawling capabilities coupled with Capt. Steve’s 35+ years of experience as a commercial fisherman make this the perfect team for the survey.
When Steve first got the job as Captain of the Bert, major renovations were at the top of his to-do list. “When I took over in 2017, the boat was tired,” he says. “We needed to bring this boat back into the 21st-century.” Capt. Steve’s vision for the Bert was well received and through the support of CELS Dean John Kirby and AFS Department Chair Katherine Petersson, improvements were approved for the Bert. In 2018, Capt. Steve and Vessel Operations Coordinator Mitch Hatzipetro secured a state grant to upgrade the Bert’s engine and generator. This mechanical work along with safety upgrades have enhanced the Bert’s reliability and functionality as CELS’ flagship research vessel.
The Bert’s fresh coat of paint and brand new “Cap’n Bert” written on the hull in keaney blue
Recently equipped with a brand new paint job this offseason, the Bert and its crew are ready for another busy year bringing students out on the water and providing essential services to research endeavors beyond URI. Being Captain of the Bert is a big responsibility, but when you love what you do as much as Capt. Steve does, coming to work is easy. “Along with being the Captain of this boat, on any given day I have multiple tasks to get the boat ready which sometimes gets a bit overwhelming, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Written by Edward Cascella, CELS Graduate Communication Fellow
Charters are available to all University members and any non-University entities in need of educational or research voyages. For more information and inquiries regarding the Cap’n Bert and its capabilities, head to the Bert’s website or contact the Bert’s Vessel Operations Coordinator, Mitch Hatzipetro at mitch_hatzi@uri.edu.